Federer defeats Isner in ATP Indian Wells

Roger Federer continued his red-hot run by dispatching surprise finalist John Isner 7-6 6-3 on Sunday (March 18) to become the first player to win the Indian Wells ATP tournament four times.The Swiss world number three blunted the powerful serving of Isner with a controlled display, edging the American 9-7 in the first set tiebreak then breaking him twice in the second set to triumph in one hour and 21 minutes.Federer clinched the title when the towering Isner, who upset world number one Novak Djokovic in the semi-finals and will rise to a career-high 10th in the rankings on Monday, dumped a forehand into the net.The Swiss, who had won three consecutive titles at Indian Wells from 2004-06, raised both arms skywards in celebration as the capacity crowd at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden erupted in applause.Since his semi-final loss to Djokovic at last years U.S. Open, the 16-times grand slam champion has been arguably the hottest player on the mens circuit, winning 39 of his 41 matches.